The 3 As of a Winning Job Search - CareerEnlightenment.com

ACTIVITYYou can have the best attitude in the world, but if you are not talking to these power connectors, not attending events, meetings and conferences, and if you are not applying to jobs regularly, then you are going to have a tough time accelerating the job search process.   Activity yields results.   It always does.   Ask any sales professional.   They all use statistics that tell them how many leads they need to call on, how many need to be converted to a face-to-face sales pitch, and how many of these will yield a sale.Job search is the same way, except you are the product and salesperson wrapped in one.   Here’s a list of some important activities that you should be participating in every day, week and month.   This goes for whether you are out of work and those who are gainfully employed:Face-to-face networking meetings with power connectorsLinkedIn invitationsNetworking eventsProfessional organization meetingsSpeaking with recruitersApplying for jobsThis type of activity is crucial.   By getting out there and meeting people, even the same people repeatedly (the average networking partner forgets about you in about seven days), you start to become ingrained in your connections’ minds as the person to remember for job leads and other important referrals.Please don’t lose sight of the need to apply to open positions, too!   It is very easy to get swept up in the networking process.   So much so that you forget to apply to open jobs.   You need to set aside time to do both.   When the process comes together, you will see an open job and then tap your robust network to find someone with influence to pluck your resume out of the “black hole” and right onto the hiring manager’s desk.ASSERTIVENESSSearching for your next position also takes the right degree of assertiveness.   Assertiveness comes into play in several areas.   First, when you are trying to get networking appointments with power connectors, you may have to follow up on two or three different occasions.   Why?   Not because networking partners don’t care about you or don’t want to be bothered, but because they are extremely busy and just have trouble keeping up with all that they have on their plate.Let’s look at an example.   People have called me a power connector in the Philadelphia area, particularly in Human Resources and in the pharmaceutical industry.   I’m not sure of this but let’s go with it.   I have a full time job, a side business and a volunteer position.   This creates many emails, phone calls and meetings.   If you send me an email, it could likely get buried under other pressing issues.   Does this mean I don’t want to connect with you?   No, not at all, so I suggest you send another follow up.   Build rapport, show credibility, and show me that you believe in mutually beneficial networking.The same concept applies to a call or email to a recruiter that has an opening that fits your background.   Polite, courteous and timely follow- up shows interest, passion and persistence.   These are traits that any employer would likely covet.   Of course, there is always a limit.   Too much of a good thing is always problematic.Many jobseekers are timid and don’t follow up enough.   If that’s you then remember a good amount of follow-up is appreciated and can really make a difference.SUMMARYConducting a cutting-edge job search requires many tactical elements such as a resume, cover letter, bio, target list of companies and brag book; however, if you also remain focused and practice the Three A’s of Attitude, Activity and Assertiveness, you will likely land your next position sooner and with less stress!